Hey y'all,

I currently shoot a Sig P220 in .45 for my target fun, but ammo is getting really expensive and I don't reload. I was looking into the following options for a "target" quality pistol (some expensive, some not), but I could use some advice as to the best way to spend what little cash I have. My thoughts are:

* Ruger Mark II with Volquartsen upgrades.
* Browning Buckmark.
* Smith & Wesson Model 41.
* Sig .22 conversion for my P220.
* Something else I overlooked?

Thanks in advance for all of your help!

Stormin!

Hey y'all,

I currently shoot a Sig P220 in .45 for my target fun, but ammo is getting really expensive and I don't reload. I was looking into the following options for a "target" quality pistol (some expensive, some not), but I could use some advice as to the best way to spend what little cash I have. My thoughts are:

* Ruger Mark II with Volquartsen upgrades.
* Browning Buckmark.
* Smith & Wesson Model 41.
* Sig .22 conversion for my P220.
* Something else I overlooked?

Thanks in advance for all of your help!

Stormin!

(deja-vu)
Smith model 41 or Beretta 87 target, you can't go wrong with either.

I used to shoot a S&W 46 then bought a Ruger MKIII678 that I've been very pleased with. Don't overlook MKIII models since they are drilled and tapped for a scope base [included] and the magazine catch is located similar to the 1911. I initially wanted to get a 22/45 model to compliment my SW1911 but the grips/frame in the MKIII was too narrow/small and didn't feel right. Don't worry about the lawyered up parts; you can easily remove them if you choose. After market support/add ons for the MKIII series is tops. Check Gun Talk-Online.com for more info.

If the budget is tight, I'd go with the Buckmark. I love mine.
But if you don't mind the price, definately go for the Model 41.

Yeah, I posted this on the Sig forum too ;-)

The 22A with a 7 inch barrel is hard to beat, bang (no pun intended), for the buck. (o;

Well, there is a Smith 41, and there is everything else.

If you don't go with the 41, then there is little reason to pay for more than a Ruger Mk II or III, or a top line Buckmark.

They all shoot better than the vast majority of people can shoot them

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Browning Buckmark - I really love mine.

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Tim

walther SSP.

I have been looking for a modle 41 locally for a while now , and the seach still goes on. I did find a Beretta Cheetah 87 22 for $400 and am very happy with it? I just found a 87 target with a price of $685 used but, in good condition. I am not sure but, the price seems high? What do you guys think?

+1

I have two Buckmarks, and you can scope, optical sight, silence, etc. Anything you want.

Munster

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GO NAVY!

Sgt Preston here. Ruger 2245 Mark 2. It was designed to have the same size, shape & feel as a 1911. It's cheap, heavy duty & fun. Hope this helps. Sgt Preston USMC LLA

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NRA Life Member

For serious competition, I suggest you search for a good used model 41.

If,you can afford one in your budget the Smith 41 is in a class all alone. You would not regret the purchase. Next is the Buck Mark,another solid American made pistiol. Both have great single action triggers for serious target work. For double action training the Sig Mosquito has the feel of it's big brothers with double action,complete with a decocker,and a three dot sight.It is for combat style shooting on the cheap.

The Ruger pistol strictly for durability. The best value for the dollar.

A Ruger Mk 1 or Mk 2 with heavy barrel is a good choice at a reasonable price. My first pistol ever was an old and well worn Ruger Mk 1 target that I purchased from an older gentleman who shot competitively with it in the Army for many years. It has a fantastic trigger pull and shoots very well. And it is still running perfectly after 20+ years of use.

These are pretty nice:

http://www.benelli.it/Articoli/Armi.asp?ID=131

The MP95e is the cheaper version (non-chrome bolt, non-adjustable grip, standard trigger)

I shot a 95e that had the MP90 grip and trigger added, just awesome! Of course, a Marvel .22 kit on a 1911 is much cheaper and seemed to be just as accurate and the chamber didn't gum up as fast as the Benelli.

My first choice would be a S&W 41 with the 5" heavy bbl. I think the newer ones are drilled and tapped for optics. The Ruger MkIII .22/.45 heavy bbl pistol is a good value, mine has a decent trigger right out of the box. I have no experience with the Buckmarks, they appear to be good pistols. Another avenue would be to pick up a High Standard Victor if you can find one. The biggest problem with the Victor is getting reliable magazines. I know that it is virtually impossible to find anyone who has the expertese to work on Victors if needed.

My first choice would be a M 41, then a Ruger with the .22/.45 grip angle. IMHO the 41 would be the best value overall. However, getting a Ruger .22/45 Mark II or Mark III and a lot of match ammo for diligent practice would be a good investment.

One problem with the 41 is the ammo sensitivity because they won't digest most .22 ammo available. CCI Green Tag seems to work well.

Cpotel is right on with his comments. I have owned and used most all of the models mentioned. Yes and Model 41 is fabulous and finicky at the same time. When you find a brand and lot it likes buy as much of it as you can afford and carve the center out of every target you shoot at. A 41 is NOT a cheap firearm however. Next in line is dead even tie between a Ruger Mark2-3 and the Browning Buckmark either will serve you well, are relatively inexpensive to acquire and will feed and function well with almost anything on the market today...they get even better when you feed them the good stuff..ie. CCI Green Tag, Eley, RWS etc.
Another sleeper is the S&W 22A. A dear friend of mine has one and it is an incredible shooter for not much money...it is accurate and reliable,feeds everything and is fun to shoot.
Handle them all and go from there....A good .22 pistol is literally a BLAST!!!
Hope this helps in some manner.
Randy